It would also create a "legal benchmark" so that individuals found to be maltreating animals can be punished.

BBC: Plan to track retired greyhounds

The sentencing of 11 care workers who admitted maltreating patients at a private hospital has begun at Bristol Crown Court.

BBC: Winterbourne View: Sentencing of care workers begins

Private Lynndie England - Graner's one-time girlfriend - was convicted for conspiracy, maltreating detainees and committing an indecent act, and jailed for three years.

BBC: Q&A: Iraq prison abuse scandal

She was in Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison and she was found guilty on six out of seven charges: conspiracy, maltreating prisoners and dereliction of duty.

NPR: Harman Convicted for Role in Abu Ghraib Abuse